“Lily was pregnant when we divorced?”
“Yes.”
“If I had known…”
“What—what would you have done? Given up the payments she’s been making to you for years?” Sebastian asked with disgust.
“How did you find me?” Martin demanded to know.
“It wasn’t easy, believe me,” Sebastian spat.
“Okay, let’s just take a moment and breathe,” Tess suggested, breaking up the brewing fight.
“Tess, this was a big mistake. We should go.”
“Sebastian, I didn’t know you existed,” Martin began, his voice softer and calmer. “Please don’t go.”
Colette walked out onto the terrace carrying a tray of beverages. She passed out the drinks and joined the others at the oblong wrought-iron table. “Martin, I can’t get over how much he looks like you when you were younger.”
“Have you and Martin been together for a long time?” Tess asked.
“Oh, yes. It’s been twenty years now. We met in Monte Carlo.” She threw her head back, looking up at the sky, and reminisced. “Do you remember that day, Martin?”
Martin reached over and caressed her hand. “I remember it like it was just yesterday. But I must say you look far more lovely today.”
Sebastian grimaced. Martin reminded him too much of himself, and that knowledge didn’t bring him any comfort. “You’ve been married for twenty years?”
“We’re not married,” Martin informed the young couple.
“We’re living in sin and it’s delightful!” Colette chimed in.
“You’ve been monogamous for twenty years?” Sebastian rephrased.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
Sebastian shrugged. “Wasn’t that the reason Lily divorced you in the first place?”
“Your mother wasn’t the easiest person to live with.”
“I’m more than aware of that fact.”
“Have you had a good life, Sebastian?”
“That’s an odd question considering you left my brother and sisters without a second thought.”
Martin sighed. “I loved those children the best way I knew how.”
“Loved—that’s past tense. Did you feel any remorse at all leaving them?”
“Of course I did. My hands were tied. Your mother comes from a very powerful family. I could either leave with a handsome stipend or leave a penniless fool. Either way, I was banned from ever seeing my children again. What would you have done if you were in my circumstance?”
Sebastian chuckled at the irony of the entire situation. “I gave up the money and walked away.”
“You are a better man than I am.” Martin closed his eyes, becoming introspective. “How are they: Maxwell, Victoria, and Sigourney?”
“They are well,” Sebastian replied, not going into detail.
“Do you still have contact with your mother?”
“Lily’s not my mother.”
Martin stared at Sebastian, a look of confusion in his eyes. “Who was your mother, then?”
Given his father’s philandering, that probably wasn’t the best way to word the statement. “Lily is my biological mother, but she was never a mother to me.”
“I’m so sorry, my boy,” Martin stated with sincerity.
“I’m not your boy,” Sebastian ground out with contempt.
“I sense you didn’t have the best childhood.”
“My childhood was fine. It was my teenage years that proved to be difficult.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing,” Sebastian replied, brushing the question aside.
“Why are you here today?”
“I wanted to meet my birth father. I wanted to see if you had any remorse for leaving us.”
Tess reached over and squeezed his knee with her hand. Instinctively, his hand closed around hers.
“I made my decision and I’ve had to live with that. I don’t believe in remorse. Maybe when you get older, you’ll understand.”
Sebastian threw his fist down on the table, rattling the glasses that rested on top. “I understand the ramifications of hard decisions. I also know the difference between doing what is right and wrong. You have no right to pass judgment on me when you don’t even know me.”
“I could say the same of you,” Martin coolly added.
Sebastian stood from his chair so quickly it toppled over, making a clanking sound as it hit the patio. “We’re through here, Tess.”
She stood and Sebastian led her into the house and out the front door.
They walked a few blocks before he decided to speak. “That daft prick!” he fumed, gripping her hand even harder than before.
“I’m sorry it didn’t turn out the way you wanted,” Tess finally said.
“I’m not sure I fucking know what I expected. It was stupid of me to come here and drag you along.”
“To hell with Martin. You don’t need him.” Tess leaned into her husband and wrapped her arm around his waist. “I’m not sorry you dragged me along. We did have a wonderful night last night.”
His expression softened has he recalled their lovemaking. “It was wonderful. Are you trying to distract me again?”
“Maybe,” she replied, giving him a coy smile.
“You know what? Martin doesn’t deserve to take up another moment of my thought.” He reached for his wife’s hand, deciding to leave all the misery behind him and focus on the positive. Life was too short to spend it lamenting over Martin Christopher Baker. “Let’s enjoy the day. We can consider it a mini-vacation before we have to go back to the hoopla that will be Max and Penny’s wedding. By the way, I invited your mom to the wedding. I figured one more person to look after Mattie isn’t a bad thing, and maybe I can enjoy a few dances alone with you.”
They walked down to the beach, each taking off their shoes before stepping onto the soft sand. “Do you think Lily will skip the service, like she did the engagement party?”
“I imagine so, although it would look bad from a social standpoint to do so. You know how she feels about propriety.”
“Well, I hope she stays away for everyone’s sake,” Tess sighed. “Things are so much easier without all the drama.”
They stopped walking and sat down, looking over the clear green Ionian Sea. “Why is it that my family comes with all the drama and your family is so laid back?”
“Well, considering it’s only my mom and me—how much drama could there be? Not to mention the fact that there is something to be said for living a simpler life.”
Tess certainly had a point. He loved the life he lived with his family, not regretting for one moment the aristocracy he’d left behind. The only problem was that now he was being dragged back into it. “Maybe getting close to my brother and sister again is a bad idea.”
“Why would you say that?”
“I’m getting pulled back into that world and dragging you and Mattie along with me.”
“Bas, I like your brother and sisters. If you want a relationship with them, you should have it. That decision has nothing to do with Lily or your father. You’re lucky you have siblings. I always wanted them. Now I sort of feel like I do, the way they welcomed me into the family.”
“That’s sweet of you to say, but you’re being way too kind.”
“I don’t think I am. They accept me for who I am—something Lily never did. They also adore Mattie. What more could I ask?”
Again, his wife had taken the complicated and reduced it to something so basic and simple. “You are the most brilliant person I know,” he complimented, leaning down to kiss the top of her head.
“I have my moments,” she grinned. “Buy me lunch. I saw a cute little café down the street.”
Sebastian stood and patted the sand off his trousers. He extended his hand to Tess and pulled her into an upright position. “For you—anything,” he replied pulling her into his arms and kissing her on the lips.
Chapter 20 - The Disappointed
&
nbsp; Tess walked through the door first, followed by Sebastian, who carried their luggage. Mattie ran at them full force and jumped into Tess’ open arms. “Welcome home!”
Sebastian placed the bags on the floor and scooped Mattie up in his arms. “How’s my favorite girl?”
“Awesome!”
“Did you have a nice time with Grandmom Kate?”
“Yep.”
Tess hugged her mom. “Hope she behaved for you.”
“We had an amazing time. How did things go in Greece?” Kate inquired.
Tess shook her head. “Later,” she replied.
“Did you bring me anything, Daddy?”
Sebastian raised his eyebrows. “What makes you think that?”
Mattie giggled. “Daddy, you always bring me something when you go away on a trip.”
“I’ll make you a deal: you go get your pajamas on and I’ll look through my suitcase and see what I can find.”
“Yay!” she exclaimed, racing down the hall to her room.
Kate hugged Sebastian. “I’m sorry things didn’t go like you wanted them to.”
“I have no regrets. I’ve spent years wondering about him and now I know. Deep down, I never expected a happy ending on that front.”
“Would you like some tea? I can put the kettle on.” Kate offered.
“Yes, I’d like that.” Sebastian picked up the bags. “Let me go get Mattie’s present before she gets all riled up and I can’t get her to bed.”
“I’ll come with you,” Tess offered.
“No, I’ve got it. Stay here and fill your mom in on the trip.”
“Is he really okay?” Kate asked as she busied herself in the kitchen.
“Yes, we had a good talk. I think he’s reconciled with the fact that Martin won’t be a part of his life. I mean, he never was to start with, so it’s not like he’s losing a father—not like me,” she said, full of melancholy. They sat down at the kitchen table together. “Bas told me you’re going to the wedding. I’m so happy you’ll be there.”
“I can’t wait to see this castle you’ve told me so much about.”
“It’s pretty spectacular and intimidating.”
“We’ll need to go shopping. I don’t have a dress.”
“Mattie and I can take you shopping. I’m so glad you’re here, Mom. I’ve missed you. I don’t suppose you’d quit your job and move to London, would you?”
“Don’t tempt me.”
“I’m serious. You could sell the house and move. You can work at a hospital here in London.”
“Where would I live?”
“We could help you find a place,” Tess offered.
The tea kettle whistled, taking their attention away from the conversation at hand. Kate walked over the stove and turned off the burner. Tess plopped the tea bags into the mugs while her mom poured the hot water. Finally Kate said, “It’s not a bad idea, you know. I’ll give it some careful consideration.”
Sebastian tucked Mattie under the covers and then placed a teddy bear on each side of her—Charles on the left and Bas on the right. “Love you, darling,” he said, kissing her forehead.
“I’m glad you’re back, Daddy.”
“So am I.”
With that he turned out the lights and left her bedroom, closing the door behind him. It was such an amazing feeling to have this little person who loved him unconditionally and be genuinely happy to see him.
As he walked toward his bedroom, Sebastian wondered if Martin Christopher Baker ever felt a pang of regret for leaving his children behind. With a weary hand, he unknotted his tie and then took off his suit coat. Sebastian tossed the discarded clothes on the bed in his room and sat on the mattress. He grabbed the phone and dialed Max’s number.
After a few brief rings, Max answered the phone. “Irons here.”
“Max, it’s Sebastian.”
“I take it from your tone of voice things didn’t go as anticipated.”
“They went exactly as I anticipated. He didn’t give a damn.”
“I’m sorry, Sebastian. I tried to warn you.”
“I know.” He paused for a moment and then said, “How does a father not care what happens to his children, Max?”
“I wish I knew. I’m not a father yet, but when it does happen for me, I hope I can be as good a father as you are,” Max responded.
Sebastian smiled. “Thank you. That is a lovely compliment.”
“It’s the truth.”
“How are the wedding plans coming along?”
“Penelope is in charge. I just pay the bills,” Max chuckled.
“Any word from Lily?”
“I told her she could come or stay away. I really don’t care what her opinion is. The person I marry is my choice. She has no say in the decision. If she does come, Penelope will be sure to keep you separated. You won’t have to converse with her.”
“I don’t plan to, you can be sure of that.”
“I’ll see you next weekend.”
“Give Pen my love. Goodnight, Maxwell.”
Sebastian joined Tess and Kate a short while later. “Everything okay?” Tess asked.
“Yes. She loved her necklace and is wearing it to bed.”
“We found a sterling silver necklace with a Pegasus horse charm on it in one of the markets,” Tess explained.
“She’s quite taken with horses. I got to hear all about how Sebastian is teaching her to ride and Uncle Max bought her a riding outfit,” Kate said.
“We’ve come a long way from Spring City, Pennsylvania, Mom.”
“Well, you have, Tess. I don’t know about me.”
“So are you ladies going shopping tomorrow?”
“Yes, after work. Mom, can you and Mattie meet me at Selfridges?”
“I don’t know where that is.”
“I’ll take you,” offered Sebastian. “I’m only working half the day tomorrow and there are some things I need to do on Bond Street. Maybe we can all have dinner afterwards.”
“That sounds great.”
“Okay, I’ll make reservations.”
Chapter 21 - White Wedding
The castle was bristling with excitement as the staff prepared for Maxwell and Penelope’s wedding. Many of the guests had arrived the night before, including Sebastian and his family.
Tess tied the blue satin bow at the back on Mattie’s flower girl dress. It was an ivory silk calf-length dress, with short sleeves and a Peter Pan collar. She wore knee socks and black patent leather shoes and a wreath of rosebuds and baby’s breath on her head. “You look so pretty, Mattie.”
“Let me see,” she said, rushing toward the full-length mirror.
Sebastian knocked on the door. “Are you ladies ready?” he asked, poking his head inside.
“Daddy, do you like my dress?”
Sebastian walked into the room and admired his daughter. “Darling, you look wonderful. You’re growing up too fast.”
“I wish Michael could be here.” She frowned.
“You’re growing up too fast,” Sebastian reiterated.
Mattie smirked and rolled her eyes.
“I brought you the flower basket.”
“Spread the flowers just like you did in rehearsal yesterday,” Tess reminded her daughter.
“Okay. Can I go see Grandmom Kate now?”
“Yes, she should be dressed,” Tess agreed.
Mattie tore out of the room to find her grandmother. Sebastian chuckled. “You might think she runs the castle, the way she makes herself at home.”
Tess looked at Sebastian. “She doesn’t know the history of this place. Some things are better left alone.”
Tess was wearing her pale pink Chanel gown with her hair pulled up in a loose bun. She approached her husband and smiled. “You look very dapper in your tuxedo.”
“You look incredible, as always,” he complimented, taking her in his arms. “I want to kiss you but I fear I won’t be able to stop—and we have a wedding to attend.”
; Tess let out a languid sigh. “You’re right. Best we go get Mattie and Mom.
Sebastian took her hand and raised it to his lips and kissed it. “I swear you look more beautiful today than you did on our wedding day.”
Tess blushed at the compliment. “And you are far more charming.”
They walked down the hallway toward Kate’s room. The door was wide open and Mattie was entertaining Kate with stories about riding horses on the grounds. “Mattie, come with me, we need to get you downstairs. Aunt Penny needs you,” Sebastian reminded her.
Mattie hopped off the bed and took Sebastian’s hand and they left the room.
“This place…” Kate began, and then stopped, unsure what to say next.
“Pretty overwhelming—I know,” Tess finished.
“I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Sebastian, having to grow up here.”
“He had some happy times when he was younger—with Nanny Jones.”
“Do you think Lily will be here today?”
“I don’t think so. She wasn’t very happy with Max’s choice of a wife.”
“How sad for the Irons children to grow up without supportive parents,” Kate said.
“All things considered, they’re remarkably normal—well, as normal as wealthy people can be.” Tess giggled to lighten the mood. “Come on, let’s go see how an earl throws a wedding.” Tess linked her arm in her mom’s and together they walked down the grand staircase and out to the back garden.
White chairs with blue velvet seat cushions were neatly arranged in rows. There must have been two hundred chairs by Tess’ estimation. A long white cloth runner was used to make an aisle that led to an ancient stone gazebo decorated with leafy green garland and pink peonies. The sky was clear blue with wisps of thin clouds. It was a perfect day for an outdoor wedding.
Sebastian found the two women admiring the transformation of the garden. He took Tess’ arm and escorted her down the aisle. Kate followed close behind with her escort. Sebastian sat between his wife and his mother-in-law as the remainder of the guests filed in to their seats.
Ten minutes later, the orchestra began to play "Overture" by George Frederic Handel. Mattie began the slow procession down the aisle, sprinkling pink rose petals on the ground as she made her way toward the gazebo. Sigourney followed next, wearing a blue chiffon strapless gown, her hair long and perfectly in place. She carried a nosegay of peonies. After she had taken her place at the front, everyone stood to greet the bride.
London Loves - Book 3 - Love's Great Adventure Series Page 11